Belay and Lead Certification

Click any of the boxes below for more detailed information on top rope or lead belay.

GENERAL BELAY INFORMATION

For those that wish to belay (hold the ropes) and are not already certified to do so at AZR, there is a 1-hour belay class. The class costs $29 and includes your admission to the facility and gear for the day. For complete information about and schedule of classes, click here.

For those that do not wish to learn how to belay, there are 8-10 autobelays available, as well as bouldering (climbing without ropes on the shorter walls), the treadwall, yoga and the Ninja Warrior training course. There is still plenty of climbing and other fun things to do!

We do not recommend planning on less than 2 hours for your first visit. It may take 20-30 minutes to get through the orientation process and you want to have plenty of time to climb.

BELAY TEST

For those that already have a good base knowledge of climbing and know how to properly belay, there is an option to test out of the belay class.

Tests are not scheduled; they are run based on availability of staff and traffic in the facility.

There are set criteria that must be demonstrated to pass the test. If you do any of the things on the IMPROPER LIST, you will automatically fail the test regardless of your abilities to perform the other actions.

There is a $29 deposit required to take the belay test. If you pass the test, you will get your deposit back. If you fail, you can put the $29 deposit towards a belay class if you would like.

BELAY CLASS

1-hour belay classes are run at set times each day.

Anyone that has not belayed at AZR before or within the last 6 months, is required to take the belay class, or can opt to test out (see info below). Please remember, nobody under the age of 15 is allowed to belay, unless they complete the Youth Belay Certification class.

The belay class costs $29 and includes your day pass and gear (unlimited climbing, access to yoga classes and fitness equipment).

All participants of the belay class must complete a digital waiver prior to arrival for class. For those under the age of 18, their own parent must complete this.

Must display an understanding of and retain information taught during class, as well as be able to demonstrate all required aptitudes covered in the class to get belay certified at the end of class.

Those taking the class may be required to climb for other students. We may also ask for non-belaying parties to climb for those in the belay class.

Belay classes can be scheduled online (see below) or at the facility. Payment is required at time of registration.

Belay classes cancelled less than 24 hours in advance will not receive a refund.

If there are spots available, advanced registration is not required (if you show up at the facility at 3:45p and would like to take the 4:00p class, you are welcome to as long as there is space). However, we do recommend advanced registration to secure a spot.

Anyone that does not pass the belay class will have the opportunity to take 1 more class at no additional charge.

LEARN TO LEAD

Clipping & Belaying: Mondays from 6:00pm-8:00pm This first class will teach the essentials of basic lead belay and lead climbing while on top rope. You must be able to top rope 5.9, own your own harness and ATC belay device to attend this class.

Falling & Catching: Wednesdays from 6:00-8:00pm This second class applies the concepts learned in Class 1 to arresting falling climbers and taking lead falls. You must take Class 1 or test out of Class 1 in order to take this class.

Available Lead and Belay Classes

You can search for specific dates in the calendar below. Lead classes are typically on Monday or Wednesday nights. If none of the dates in the calendar work please complete the Lead and Belay form – click here.

Complete Our Lead and Belay Test Information Form

If you need additional information or cannot find a class to suite your needs in the list above please complete the form below.